Musicians' Portrait Project

John started his career as a Bass Trombonist in Vancouver, BC in 1960. He played with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, the CBC Vancouver Orchestra, the Fraser McPherson Orchestra at the Cave Theatre Restaurant, the Bobby Hales Orchestra at Izzy’s Supper Club and a variety of CBC shows under the leadership of Dave Robbins.

In 1967, after completing a Bachelor of Music at UBC, Capon moved to Toronto, Ontario. His soloistic approach to the Bass Trombone became a regular feature in many TV commercials and film score recordings. While in Toronto Capon also played with the Canadian Opera Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra and Phil Nimmons’ Nimmons ‘n’ 9 + 6.

In 1986 Capon moved back to the west coast with his wife, artist Tawny Maclachlan-Capon and their three young children, to live on Gabriola Island. Since then he has had a very diverse career as a conductor (Malaspina Choir 1987 to 2001, Gabriola Chamber Players), performer, teacher (Malaspina University/College, Shawnigan Lake School) and arts administrator (Artistic Director, Malaspina University/College Summer Jazz Academy. His CDs “Full Circle” and “Golden Light” are in regular rotation on Jazz radio stations in Canada and the USA.